Public Meeting 10th August 2016

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Gungahlin Community Council Meeting – Gungahlin Library

Date: 10 August 2016
Chair: Peter Elford
Committee members in attendance: Peter Elford; David Pollard; Henley Samuel; John Pippen; Prasad Tipirneni; Keven Cox and Ian Ruecroft
Apologies: NilCommunity members present: 23 people counted at 7.15pm – 17 people signed the attendance sheetsMeeting commenced at 6.30pm

[1] Woolworths upgrade and extension

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Phil Knapstadt (Vinta Group) provided information to the meeting. Summary talking points were:
• Car park to open next week;
• The new complex will open mid-September. Kmart will be the main tenant with specialist retail and coffee shop/ restaurant services also available
• Woolworths renovations should be completed by mid-September;
• A new bus shelter will be reinstated to Hibberson St (same location as prior the commencement of construction). The shelter will be relocated when the ACT Government has completed transition of bus routes and infrastructure to Gungahlin Place.. This will be relocated tension).
• Car parking will bet two hours free with parking charges to apply after that time. Access will be from Ernest Cavanagh St with under road (Hibberson St) to the current carpark. Access to the current carpark is from Gozzard St and Efkarpidis St.
• Wilson Security has been contracted to provide policing of parking

[2] Block 5 Section 209

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Trevor Fitzpatrick, Marcus Graham, Vikram Chevli and Stewart Architects provided information to the meeting. Summary talking points were:

• DA is being prepared for a development comprising of commercial, residential and car parking. Pod Projects will be the developer.
• The complex is designed to be three towers – being 18 stories; 14 stories and 8 stories. This will complement the Geocom development. The two developments are working together to minimise duplication and seeking to share access corridors wherever possible.
• It is proposed that there will be 181 apartments in the complex. Approximately 300 carparks will be available for the complex (over five stories of car parking).
• Apartment mix will be 50% 1 bedroom; 33% 2 bedroom; with the remainder being 3 bedroom and penthouse apartments.
• The ground floor of the complex will be commercial. No details of probable tennants at this time.
• The building is being designed to have a lifespan exceeding 50 years.
• Entry and exit capacity will be designed to meet development guidelines and quality presentation criteria.
• External appearance (including lighting and gardens) will reflect the standards of a high quality development.
• Affordable housing requirements have not been mandated for the development.

Following general discussion and questions the meeting was informed that this consultation (with the Gungahlin community) would provide a guide for the design team to consider all suggestions and issues that have been identified.

[3] Cinema complex development

 

The meeting was addressed by Kieran Fordham (representing Lockbridge) Summary talking points were:
• Some amount of redesign has been required to reflect the changed traffic flow and shopfront vision for the development. The proposed light rail corridor and the removal of buses, cars and taxis along Hibberson St dramatically changes how the complex will be entered and how the complex will be presented along the Hibberson St frontage.
• At this time it is intended that the DA will be submitted “soon”
• Constructions should commence mid-2017 with Stage 1 opening mid-2018[4] Meet the candidates meeting – 14 September 2016
The venue has not been finalised at this time.
[ UPDATE – Meet the Candidates will be 6:30-8:30pm at the St John Paul II College Theatre, 1021 Gungahlin Dr, Nicholls ]
The meeting concluded at 8.10pm
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Public Meeting 8th June 2016

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No Invited Speakers
Gungahlin Community Council Meeting

Date: 8 June 2016

Chair: Peter Elford
Committee members in attendance: Peter Elford; David Pollard; Henley Samuel; John Pippen; Keven Cox and Ian Ruecroft
Apologies: Nil

Community members present: 7 people attended the meeting

Meeting commenced at 6.40pm
Discussion re ACT Budget outcomes

• Peter advised that most of the items put forward by the GCC had be accommodated in the budget.
• Interactive discussion relating to roadworks and the schedule of when individual projects would be commenced and completed
Election of members to the GCC Executive Committee
Nominations were called for the position of Public Officer and Vice president:
Paul Singer nominated for the position of Public Officer. Elected unopposed.
Henley Samuel nominated for the position of vice President. Elected unopposed
Other issues
General discussion took place related to Gungahlin related matters. No items were identified for action.

The meeting concluded at 7.15pm

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Public Meeting 11th May 2016

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Gungahlin Community Council Public Meeting
Date:   11th May 2016

Horse Park Duplication and Gungahlin Roads, Meegan Fitzharris, Minister for Transport

Horse Park Drive – Stage 2 – Wells Station Drive to Federal Highway + ANthony Role to Mulligans
– Continuous shared path from Majura Parkway
– Car park for 25-30 cards at Goorooyaroo
– Katherine Ave will get signals
– 2+ years to complete
– 3 bridges
– Bikeway and underpass at Harrison
– There is a public consultation process underway online
Roundabout at Barton Highway
– Completing late 2016
Gungahlin Drive Upgrade
– Complete in June 2016
Gundaroo Drive Duplication
– Going slow due to remediation of concrete slabs protecting gas mains
Town Centre East
– Mid 2017 completion
– Watch out for road closures
Taylor
– Upgrades to intersections coming

Gungahlin Roads, Alistair Coe, Shadow Minister for Transport

– Gundaroo Drive duplication  could be done more cheaply using 10-12m median
– Details of proposed bus plan including dispersed services, colour coding, single fare

 ACT Election and Electorates, Rohan Spence, Deputy Electoral Commissioner

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Public Meeting 13th April 2016

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Gungahlin Community Council Public Meeting

Date: 13 April 2016
Chair: Peter Elford
Committee members in attendance: David Pollard; Jacob Vadakkedatthu; Henley Samuel; and Ian Ruecroft
Apologies: Keven Cox and Alistair Coe

Community members present: 33 people signed the meeting attendance sheet

Meeting commenced at 6.35pm

Tennis ACT

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Ross Triffitt provided the meeting with an overview of tennis in the ACT. At this time there is no dedicated tennis facilities in Gungahlin. Tennis ACT is actively progressing exploring options for establishing a multi-use facility that would cater for tennis activities. It is envisaged that this facility would incorporate meeting rooms, a café and outdoor tennis facilities.

Tennis ACT is not in a position to develop the facility as a standalone organisation. They are looking for a partner organisation to join them in planning, developing and using the joint facility. Ideally this partner organisation would be a sporting organisation. Tennis ACT requested the community to provide contact details of any organisations which may be interested in forming a cooperative partnership.

Tennis ACT advised the meeting that not Gungahlin site had been identified for the facility at this time but a number of sites were being considered.

Integrated Transport

Jason Hinder provided the meeting with information relating to ACT transport at the present time and into the future. Factors which impact on Gungahlin’s transport environment include:
• Population growth
• The Northbourne Avenue corridor’s current traffic issues
• The impact that light rail will have in Gungahlin and along Northbourne

Gungahlin Cinema

Kieran Fordham provided the meeting with information relating to planning for the cinema complex. This facility will be built on the block opposite the post office and will eventually cover the site bounded by Hibberson St; Hinder St; Efkarpidis St and Kate Crace St. Development specifications:

• 3300 Square metre retail mall contained within a complex that is three and four stories
• There will be no residential development within the complex
• The complex will have underground parking on a scale similar to other building in the Gungahlin Town Centre
• The site will be developed in two halves
• External appearance will be unique with a factory appearance with a sawtooth roofline
• Facilities will contain 8 cinemas; restaurants; speciality retail shopping and outdoor market square; with professional apartments on the upper levels
The DA is expected to be lodged mid 2016 with construction commencing at the end of 2016. 18 to 24 months construction period.

Roadworks in Gungahlin

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Tony Gill (Director Roads ACT) and Jennie Gilles (Environmental Services Manager Roads ACT) provided the meeting with an update on the Nudurr Drive environmental audit report. The report is to evaluate the site to establish factors which may need to be taken into account when developing plans for Nudurr Drive to be constructed at a future time, estimated to be between the years 2020 to 2025. The audit established:
• That the existing asbestos deposits did not pose contamination issues for construction of the road
• Additional fill was required in some areas of the site to bring the site to current standards. This is not urgent but will be programmed for future works
• Underground water flows were being assess to enable protocols to be developed to be applied prior to and during construction of the roadGeneral discussion took place relating to roads and roadworks within the Gungahlin district.

Transport Canberra and City Services update

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The Minister for Transport and Municipal Services Meegan Fitzharris MLA, and Emma Thomas, Director-General of Capital Metro Agency, provided an overview of the ACT Government’s new agency, Transport Canberra and City Services, which will bring together ACTION buses, light rail, active travel and local services from 1 July 2016. The update included:
• Northbourne Avenue congestion and associated issues
• Planning for integration of busses light rail and other modes of transport
• Renewable power source for light rail will be 100% renewable energy
• Light rail construction will be complete (for the Civic Gungahlin section) by late 2018 to early 2019Discussion took place relating to: 1) The sharing of “MYway” data; 2) Park-and-ride facilities at the Casey shops, with routes to Civic and Woden via Gungahlin Drive/ Barry Drive and Hindmarsh Drive.

Gungahlin Town Centre

Other issues discussed with the Minister, related to the Gungahlin Town Centre (GTC). These matters were: 1) Parking in the GTC; 2) Refresh of planning for the CTC; 3) Traffic lights in the GTC especially along the Valley Way; 4) Pedestrian crossings in the GTC especially adjacent to the current park-and-ride carpark; 5) Options for progressing pedestrian/ vehicle access along Hibberson Street during shopping hours; 6) Undertaking a survey of movement around the GTC.

Other matters

Members of the community highlighted issues associated with the duplication of Gundaroo Road. Although members of the Gungahlin community attended community consultations relating to the duplication of Gungahlin Drive, some of the issues raised appear to have been disregarded.
During the consultation workshops there was a commitment made that “Quite Road” surface would be applied to the road. There was also agreement that noise abatement barriers would be constructed in appropriate locations; and that this noise abatement would be installed prior to duplication works taking place.
The meeting concluded at 9.15pm
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Public Meeting 9th March 2016

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Gungahlin Community Council Public Meeting
Date: 9th March 2016
Chair: David Pollard

Committee members in attendance: Jacob Vadakkedatthu; John Phippen; Prasad; Henley Samuel; Kevin Cox

Committee members absent with apologies: Peter Elford, Ian Ruecroft

Community members present: 10 people signed the meeting attendance sheet
Minister Megan Fitzhenry attended.
Jason Hinder from labour
Meeting commenced at 6.37pm

Climate Change adaptation strategy

Presenters Antonio Mozqueira – Manager Climate Change, Lachlan Duncan Policy Officer, Scott Walker Community Engagement Officer
From Environment and Planning Directory ACT Government

The Draft ACT Climate Change Adaptation Strategy was handed out.
A call for community members to “have their say” at http://haveyoursay.planning.act.gov.au/
Community Members are invited to fill out a questionnaire and to make a submission on the Strategy.
There is also a survey on the City and Gateway Urban Renewal Strategy at the same website.

It was reported that 15 out of 18 actions in the Climate Change Strategy are in progress.

Question from the floor

How can we contribute?
A: Visit the website and make submissions. Make suggestions and say whether strategy looks OK.
What is the status of funding?
Funding for the adaption strategy study is in place. Much of the future funding is already embedded in existing programs.
Will the feed in tariff on solar panels be reinstated?
There is a price paid for excess power generated and fed into the grid. It is now a commercial arrangement between the electricity retailer and the owner of the panels.

Woodlands and Wetlands Trust – Mulligan’s flat

Jason Cummings presented.
The presentation concentrated on Mulligan’s flat but mention was made of Jerrabomberra Wetlands that comes under the trust.
Information provided can be found at https://woodlandsandwetlands.org.au/
Background, Reintroductions, outreach, sanctuary expansion, visiting
box-gum grassy woodland has been cleared
Mulligan’s Flat and is the largest area of uncleared box-gum grassy woodlands in public ownership.
Every Friday night the Bettong Buddies outreach program is held.
There is a Turtle patrol of local volunteers saving turtles having difficulty crossing the perimeter fence.
It is proposed to extend the enclosure fences.
There will be a new Woodland learning site in Throsby
Jerrabomberra wetlands is expanding visitor facilities

Questions from the floor
How effective is fence?
Very. No foxes have entered the enclosure. The few cats have been quickly removed.
How can we control foxes in the urban area?
Foxes are controlled on the farmed areas but not in Canberra urban area. There is no safe strategy to control them.
How well do residents obey the cat regulations?
There have been no fines. Reports of non compliance are handled with a low touch approach by government. This has been successful but the approach is continually monitored.
Are the Wetlands ok for wheel chairs?
Yes. Mulligans will be better when they move to Throsby

Meeting closed 7:45pm.

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Public Meeting 10 February 2016

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Gungahlin Community Council Public Meeting

10 February 2016

Chair: Peter Elford

Agenda Item 1. Roads Update

Ben McHugh, Capital Projects ACT Roads
Julie Pearson, EDD

Download (PDF, 2.08MB)

And see also http://www.tams.act.gov.au/roads-transport/major-construction-projects/gungahlin

Gundaroo Drive Duplication – Stage 1
– First ground broken
– 12 months work
– Includes bus queue jumps
– Does not include Valley Drive Extension West
– Major work item is bridge duplication

Gungahlin Drive
– Adding 3rd Southbound lane at Mitchell
– Left lane from Sandford Drive to Barton Highway will be Barton Highway exit Southbound
– Expected completion mid-2016

Bus Station
– Gungahlin Place
– Design Phase
– DA yet to be lodged

Barton Highway Roundabout
– Shared path on new separate bridge
– Allows 3 lanes of through traffic
– Expected completion late 2016

Planned (ie. designs complete), but not funded projects
– Stage 2 Gundaroo Drive (Gungahlin Drive to Barton Highway)
– Valley Way Extension (West)
– William Slim Duplication

GCC expressed a desire to have input to relative priorities of projects based on resident feedback.

Throsby
– Development of Throsby has resulted in upgrades to Horse Park Drive
– Stage 1 – Anthony Rolfe Intersection
– Stage 2 – Duplication to Well Station Drive
– Designs underway for duplication of remainder, ie. Wells Station to Federal Highway, Anthony Rolfe to Mulligans Flat
– Signals to be installed at Mapleton
– There will be an underpass under Horse Park Drive between Throsby and Harrison

Town Centre East
– Work has commenced on extension of Manning Clark and The Valley Way (East)
– Expected completion September 2016

Drop-in Sessions scheduled for 17/3 and 18/3

http://www.act.gov.au/our-canberra/february2016/get-updated-on-gungahlin-road-projects

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Minutes Public Meeting 9 December 2015

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Public Meeting 9 December 2015

GCC President – Wednesday, December 09, 2015
Public Housing, Marketplace
Gungahlin Community Council Public Meeting

9 December 2015

Chair: Peter Elford

Committee members in attendance: David Pollard; Jacob Vadakkedatthu; John Phippen; Prasad; Henley Samuel; Kevin Cox and Ian Ruecroft

Committee members absent: No apologies advised

Community members present: Approximately 200 (at 6.30pm)

Agenda Item 1. Continuation of an information session held by the ACT Government’s Public Housing Renewal Task Force regarding a proposed new public housing project adjacent to the Franklin Early Childhood Centre.

Mr. David Collett, Executive Director, or the taskfroce  provided information and answered questions from the audience

The meeting was advised that there was no intention of expanding Franklin School at this time. Franklin area to South of existing site was not suitable for education.

Questions coming from the audience during the GCC meeting were:

Q: Rationale behind mixing medium-density housing (limit of 2 story)
A: No decision yet, requesting Community input.

Q: What opportunities for Community input?
A: Will be at Franklin Primary School P&C meeting 17:00 – 18:00 Tuesday, <date to be added>.

Q: Why is ACT building public housing, why not buying existing housing?
A: There is the option to achieve both; however building fit-for-purpose residences is preferable.

Q: What does the criteria consider?
A: Bus routes and available blocks.

Q: Are both Franklin blocks still under consideration?
A: No decision.

Q: Is there an intention to start building soon?
A: The website will be updated to inform the public that no DA has been lodged and that no detailed planning work has commenced.

Q: What actions will be taken to avoid public housing issues, for example assaults etc. People have purchased properties to get away from this. Which public housing tenants will be located to the residences?
A: Currently working with each public housing tenant to ensure tenants are suitable for the residences. There will also be a support plan for each tenant. Tenants with behavioural issues – Government wish to have an inclusive and non-discriminatory public housing structure. The website will contain information regarding education advice about previous years.

Q: How will you be able to ensure that public housing tenants behave appropriately?
A: Will provide more information regarding how public housing will ensure appropriate public housing tenant behaviour.

Q: Identified blocks are currently zoned commercial and educational use.  Is this the appropriate zoning for this type of development?
A: The zoning is appropriate.

Q: What will happen if the Community does not accept the proposal?
A: Will take back to Government for consideration.

Q: Why don’t you survey Franklin to get Community opinion?
A: The website will publish current public housing results

Q: What impact will the public housing have on the school?
A: Land will be left for a future school development.

Q: When will they stop changing the proposal regarding Franklin? Why are they not constructing the oval?
A: The website will provide further information.

NOTE: A decision has not been made

Q: Are you open to suggestions on other sites?
A: Yes

Q: How will you inform the community on how to provide suggestions?
A: Doing a letter box drop, email and using social media.  Utilising mainstream media such as newspapers, TV and also via the Gungahlin City Council.

Q:  How come the initial decision was made without appropriate research?
A: Various options were explored

Q: Why isn’t public housing being dispersed into an existing complex rather than a purpose built complex?
A: Both options will take place

Q: How will you ensure that undesirable tenants are excluded?
A: Housing will match tenants within the community environment

Q: How will Government work with the GCC to bring about a suitable development?
A: GCC do not have the capacity to do this

Q: Will you list all the sites being considered for public housing?
A: Yes

Q: What is the level of risk regarding public housing? Information will be requested to inform the community regarding the public housing proposal to explain the risk and the risk management strategies
A: Public housing do not intend to do an risk assessment.

Q: Has the taskforce done a risk assessment?
A: No.

Q: How many tenants?
A: Less than 24

12 attendees remained at the meeting following the completion of this agenda item at 7.55pm

Agenda Item 2. Marketplace Development, Phil Knackstedt, Vinta Group

Download (PDF, 2.14MB)

Basement 2 levels – underground corridor will also accommodate pedestrian access

DA approval 8 May 2015.  Work commenced 25 May 2015

Open carpark June 2016.  Kmart opening October 2016

Marketplace refurbishment complete by June

Discussion regarding pedestrian mall/shared zone – As is.

2 storm c/r under Big W – Not in current plan

The Marketplace is seeking to close the UG carpark during the hours midnight to 7am.  This is outside the current Crown lease; which dictates 24hrs opening of the carpark.

8.14 – Advice provided that Bunnings will open this Saturday

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Minutes – Public Meeting 11 November 2015

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Public Meeting 11 November 2015

GCC President – Wednesday, November 11, 2015

CSIRO, Public Housing, MLA Update, Bunnings, Bus Station

GCC PUBLIC MEETING

Wednesday 11th November 2015

6.30pm commencement

Meeting Chaired by Tony Ozanne (Vice President)
Apologies: Peter Elford (President)

(26 attendees including 8 Committee Members)

6.37pm – Agenda Item 1: CSIRO intention to coordinate development of a parcel of land (approx. 75 hectors) in the area bounded by Barton Hwy/ William Slim Dr/ Owen Dickson Dr.

Speaker: Mark Wallace (CSIRO Portfolio Manager)

The CSIRO Ginninderra site has been identified as excess to the CSIRO’s current plans.  It is the CSIRO’s intention to enter into a joint venture arrangement for development of the parcel of land.  There is a current consultation process which will end Friday 13th Nov 2015.

Information can be obtained and comments made on the CSIRO’s website

 

7.05pm – Agenda Item 2: Public Housing Canberra
Speaker: David Collett – ACT Government website – Economic Development

Goal: To establish 12088 medium and high-rise dwellings in the inner areas of North and South Canberra.

Gungahlin – Public housing development in Moncrieff; Nicholls; Franklin; Amaroo and Gungahlin Town Centre

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7.12pm – Agenda Item 3: Liberal Party (LP) policy and matters of concern

Speaker: Alistair Coe

1)      LP policy is to fund the construction of a fly-over across the Barton Hwy (Gundaroo Rd to William Slim Dr)

2)      LP have concerns that the implementation of a structure to accommodate Uber as competition to regular taxi services creates a situation that does not extend fair consideration to current owners and operators of the taxi network

3)      LP have concerns that the planning of the alignment of Gundaroo Rd is too close to residence located to the north of the petrol stations

4)      LP have concerns related to staff movements within the capital Metro senior staff

 

7.27pm – Agenda Item 4: Bunnings development: Opening and community interaction

Speaker: Alinia (aka AJ)

The store will open in mid-December.  There will be opportunities for community organisations to be involved.  Only appropriately structured community organisations can participate but community participation is encouraged and Bunnings will provide assistance wherever possible.

7.33pm Agenda Item 5: Gungahlin Bus station

Speaker: John Hilman

The community are invited to comment.  Visit the ACTION website.  Consultation open to 14 December 2015.

Matters of discussion:

1)      Park-and-ride implication related to the relocation of the Town Centre’s main bus stop;

2)      Parking along Gungahlin Place roadway and the impact removal of parking is having on retailers;

3)      How will community comments be incorporated into the consultation

7.50pm Agenda Item 6: General Business

1) Tony Ozanne announced that he will be vacating the position of GCC Vice President at the GCC December meeting.  Tony invited interested council members to nominate for the position.

2) General information/ discussion relating to the development of the Gungahlin Cinema.

3) Advice that the “Gungahlin Festival” will be held 2nd April 2016.  For more information visit the Celebrate.Gungahlin website

4) Discussion relating to the planned Nurse-Walk-in-Clinic which is planned fot the Gungahlin Town Centre

Meeting concluded 7.58pm

Next meeting 9 December 2015 – NOTE: There will be no January 2016 GCC public meeting

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Feb 2013 Meeting Minutes

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GCC February 2013 Meeting Notes – Featuring Transport & Roads Updates.

Bus services.  

Need to cover new areas of Harrison South & Crace.
Likelihood of rationalisation of services that go to Belconnen & Civic which would mean more local services terminating at the Town Centre but an increased frequency of rapid services between centres.
Proposed new rapid service between Gungahlin & Belconnen soon to go to public consultation.  Likely developments in June/July.
Upgrading of Hibberson Street interchange.
Buses to be fitted with real-time apps enabling commuters to track vehicles.

Park,n,Ride
80 spaces to be provided in new development in block bordered by Gozzard & Efkarpidis Sts & Valley Way.
EPIC site will be continued (100 spaces)
New site proposed at corner of Wells Station Rd & Flemington Rd (Beside Waste Facility) [This is an ideal site for a major transit hub servicing Light Rail].

Light Rail
ACT Government has commissioned a Network Integration Study.  Components will involve interface with traffic signalling & # & siting of stations.  It is almost definite that route will follow Northbourne Ave & Flemington Rd.  There are opportunities to further develop Civic (currently about 60% complete). A Capital Metro Project office has been established within the Economic Development Directorate.  At this stage preparatory work is planned to commence in 2015 with track laying in 2016.

GCC indicated that community groups are considering the establishment of two advisory groups on Light Rail – one for the interested parties likely to be directly affected by the Gungahlin to Civic proposal & a 2nd to consider the feasibility of extending Light Rail to other areas of Canberra.

GCC advised that consideration is being given to engaging local school students in a community project to gain their input & views into the siting & location of Light Rail stations.  The project would examine safety/security issues, suitability of access routes throughout adjoining suburbs & impact on existing facilities such as open space & sports grounds.

Roads
Planning for road development fits into 3 cycles – current year, 3 years forward & 5 years forward.  Not every project gets funded. There are often changes to priorities.  For example the current rating has Gundaroo Dr with 16000 vehicles per day in the ‘top 10’, whereas William Slim Dr with 22,000 vehicles per day makes the ‘top 3’.  Signalling of the Barton Highway intersection between the two makes the ‘top 5’.  Even though the roundabout was designed for a future flyover such a project would cost 2.5 times the cost of signalling (& the cost pressures could detrimentally impact the priority rating).

It was interesting to learn that the projects, once identified, went through several stages – the 1st being design.  At present funding has been provided for the design stages of:

Gundaroo Drive (with more public consultation planned for later this year) $1.5m design & $55m project cost (Bridge work boosts the cost!)
William Slim Drive $1m design & $22m project cost.
Barton Highway Roundabout $150k design & $8m project.
The real challenge now is to get the actual projects into the ACT Budget as they will be competing with a large number of other road projects throughout Canberra.

A final proposal has been completed for the car parking issues at Yerrabi Pond (Nellie Hamilton Ave).  It is ready to go out to public comment.  It will cost $300k to provide 54 car parking spaces in the median strip. [Early consultation indicated that this would be a very satisfactory solution & GCC applauds the efforts of ACT Roads to address this matter.]
Horse Park Drive was designed for eventual duplication (upgrade from country road status!) but immediate focus is on the intersections with Mapleton Ave & Katherine Ave.  Design funding has been provided for these projects (completion costs are $1.5m & $4.5m respectively).  The upgrading (duplication) of Horse Park Drive needs to be considered & the next step is to seek design funding.  No estimate of project cost was provided.
Majura Parkway construction has commenced & the work undertaken during the 1st 12 months is expected to result in minor traffic impact.  When the end point bridge works commence at a later stage there may be delay issues.
Parkes Way lane additions are due for completion in September.
GCC noted that Gungahlin commuters travelling to Civic & Barton were currently experiencing delays due to work on Belconnen Way near Clunies Ross St, the Parkes Way roadwork & the Cotter Road works near Lady Denman Drive.  No information was available why the GDE has been regularly gridlocked in morning peak hours near Mitchell.
The Valley Way extension to Gundaroo Drive is not on a priority list.
Similarly the Nurdurr Drive extension to the GDE is not considered a priority.
ACT Roads has undertaken to provide an update in April.
General matters raised
GCC indicated that it was considering a program to encourage widespread NBN sign-up with a view to achieving the highest rate of community participation in Australia, given the long-standing interest of Gungahlin residents in high-speed broadband.  An initial target of 75% was abandoned due to slippages in roll-out dates for a number of Gungahlin suburbs; however a status check at the end of December 2013 will be set for an expected high take up rate.  Consideration was also being given to sponsoring a program to encourage schools to adopt NBN street boxes & to decorate them (with a prize awarded for the best design).
Community feedback was sought on several timely issues.  The 1st was the proposed 35 storey development planned for Belconnen – would Gungahlin residents accept similar or slightly smaller developments in their Town Centre?  We still face the critical issue of insufficient patronage of local businesses to warrant additional commercial activity.
The 2nd issue was the opportunity to comment on proposed increases in the size of the ACT Legislative Assembly – whether there was interest in a 5×5 model with one electorate specifically dedicated to the Gungahlin region. A follow-on issue was whether the community would prefer candidates in a Gungahlin electorate to represent specific suburbs or groups of suburbs (similar to a local government model) thus providing more direct representation for those residents.  It was noted that not one local (Gungahlin resident) candidate was elected in the seat of Molongolo at the last ACT election.
Ewan Brown
President Gungahlin Community Council
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